November 22, 2025
Be The Example
Romans 4:3 – “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness“
In the shipyard, a lone figure works meticulously on a massive vessel. Passersby mock, neighbors ridicule, and even family members question. Noah continues building, following divine blueprints for a boat unlike any seen before. No maritime tradition guides him. No previous flood survivor offers advice. In a world where wickedness prevails, he stands alone—not following an example of righteousness but becoming one.
Some divine callings require charting unprecedented territory. When God told Noah to build an ark, Noah couldn’t find a mentor who had built one before. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland, Abraham couldn’t consult with previous patriarchs who had made similar journeys. Each became the first in their lineage of faith.
These spiritual pioneers share a common trait: they trusted God’s direction more than cultural consensus. Their faith wasn’t built on having examples to follow but on becoming examples others would follow. As Hebrews 11:7 reminds us, “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.”
Today, many believers find themselves in similar positions—the first in their family to follow Christ, the only person maintaining ethical standards in their workplace, the sole voice advocating biblical values in their social circle. These positions of spiritual isolation aren’t punishment but privilege—opportunities to demonstrate faith where it hasn’t been modeled before.
Being the example doesn’t require perfection but persistence. Noah wasn’t sinless, but he was faithful. Abraham made mistakes, but he continued trusting. Their legacy isn’t flawlessness but faithfulness—a willingness to follow God even without a roadmap drawn by predecessors.
Sometimes the most powerful testimony isn’t found in following good examples but in becoming one for others who will come after.
Today’s Prayer: Father, give us courage when You call us to be the first to demonstrate Your ways in our families, workplaces, or communities. Help us fix our eyes on Jesus. Amen.
Reflection Question: In what area of your life is God be calling you to be the first example of righteousness?